Google launches Nexus 7 tablet in S. Korea

SEOUL, Sept. 28 — Google Inc. unveiled its first tablet computer, the Nexus 7, in South Korea on Thursday, a day after Samsung Electronics Co. started selling its latest tablet on its home turf.

The Nexus 7 tablet, co-branded by Google and Taiwan's Asus, is the world's first 7-inch quad-core tablet and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the latest version of the Android operating system, according to Google officials. The tablet hit U.S. shelves in late June and is currently being sold in Europe and Japan as well.

"We're proud to announce the Nexus 7 … I could not be prouder of the impact that this device will have on our users, our developers and our applications here (in South Korea)," Schmidt told reporters at a press conference in downtown Seoul.

"Korean developers are already seizing the possibilities (of developing on the Android platform) and making it their own. I can't wait to see what Korea will do with this new device," he said.

Market watchers said Schmidt's appearance at the launching event seems to be aimed at solidifying the presence of Android-based products in the global market.

The device, "packed (with) tons of great features," can be used to download and enjoy various applications, movies and books. Its 1280×800 high-resolution display is optimized for playing games, while it is 10.5 millimeters thick and weighs 340 grams.

Google will start receiving pre-orders for the Nexus 7 tablet on Friday. The tablet will be released via Google's South Korean retail partners Himart and Lotte Mart in mid-October, and will be priced at 299,000 won (US$ 267.37) for the 16 gigabyte model.

Later in the day, Schmidt met with Samsung Group Vice Chairman Choi Ji-sung as well as Shin Jong-kyun, the president for mobile business of Samsung Electronics Co., Google's major software business partner.

Company officials said Schmidt and the Samsung executives exchanged views on pending industry issues and ways to further promote cooperation between the two firms. (PNA/Yonhap)